The ''Conquerors trilogy'' is a trilogy of
science fiction
Science fiction (often shortened to sci-fi or abbreviated SF) is a genre of speculative fiction that deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts. These concepts may include information technology and robotics, biological manipulations, space ...
novels by American writer
Timothy Zahn
Timothy Zahn (born 1951) is an American writer of science fiction and fantasy. He is known best for his prolific collection of ''Star Wars'' List of Star Wars books, books, chiefly the Thrawn trilogy, ''Thrawn'' trilogy, and has published several ...
,
published between 1994 and 1996.
Set in a
space opera
Space opera is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes Space warfare in science fiction, space warfare, with use of melodramatic, risk-taking space adventures, relationships, and chivalric romance. Set mainly or entirely in outer space, i ...
future, the trilogy is concerned with a failed
first contact that leads to an
interstellar war
An interstellar war is a hypothetical space war between combatants from different planetary systems. The concept provides a common plot device in science fiction, especially in the space opera subgenre. In contrast, the term ''intergalactic war ...
between humanity and an alien race, the Zhirrzh (nicknamed by humans "the Conquerors"). Meanwhile, other alien races try to take advantage of the conflict between the two powers.
''Conquerors Pride''
''Conquerors' Pride'', published in 1994, is the first novel in the series.
The book begins with the invasion of unknown aliens who, after a brutally efficient battle, take with them a prisoner: Commander Pheylan Cavanagh. Adam Quinn, under orders from Lord Stewart Cavanagh, later leads a team of elite fighter pilots to embark on a perilous mission to rescue Commander Cavanagh.
Books 1 and 2 in the trilogy were released in hardcover, paperback and audio cassette, while Conquerors' Legacy (Book 3) was only released in hardcover and paperback.
''Conquerors' Heritage''
''Conquerors' Heritage'', published in 1995, is the second installment of the trilogy.
Unlike the first novel, it is told from the viewpoint of the Zhirrzh.
In the book, the human Pheylan Cavanagh has escaped his captors. He soon believes his only hope is to convince the Zhirrzh authorities that the humans were not responsible for the war. Meanwhile, his former captor Thrr-gilag struggles with the disgrace of permitting Cavanagh's escape; and gradually comes to believe that his own people are weakened by their customs. It is herein revealed that the Zhirrzh preserve the
psyche
Psyche (''Psyché'' in French) is the Greek term for "soul" ( ψυχή).
Psyche or La Psyché may also refer to:
Psychology
* Psyche (psychology), the totality of the human mind, conscious and unconscious
* ''Psyche'', an 1846 book about the unc ...
s of their dead as holographic 'Elders', and that the injury done to these by
radio
Radio is the technology of communicating using radio waves. Radio waves are electromagnetic waves of frequency between 3 hertz (Hz) and 300 gigahertz (GHz). They are generated by an electronic device called a transmitter connec ...
transmission, has provoked most of their interstellar wars.
''Conquerors' Legacy''
''Conquerors' Legacy'', published in 1996, is the third installment of the trilogy,
and is told from multiple viewpoints.
In the novel, Lord Stewart Cavanagh looks for a defense against the Zhirrzh race's planned attack. Individuals from both sides of the war discover the foundations for it, a tragic misunderstanding that threatens to destroy both sides.
References
External links
1996 review at Changing The Times2007 review at the Bookshelf Review
{{Timothy Zahn
Science fiction novel trilogies